An East End girls’ school which has supported less fortunate students in Africa by providing IT equipment and organising exchanges has won a prestigious award for its efforts.

Central Foundation Girls’ School in Bow was recognised by the British Council for its strong links with Muthurwa school in a deprived neighbourhood of Nairobi, Kenya, along with its work in classrooms in South Africa.

Earlier this year head teacher of Muthurwa, Jane Mwaura, said sponsored visits to London for her students and also regular emails from Central Foundation girls had “drastically improved” exams results and enhanced her pupils’ internet skills.

Central Foundation also donated computers and equipment to make hot lunches - often the only meal of the day for many of the Nairobi students.

John Rolfe from the British Council said links with international schools are vital in helping UK students “better understand their place in the world” and increasing skills in “an increasingly global economy”.

The school will host another group of teachers and students from Kenya and South Africa later this term, deputy head Janet Chapman said.